Locking system

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a system for securing interlocking tubular components together and in particular to a system for securing the separate detachable components of a canoe paddle together.

[0002] FR 2,720,128 discloses an adjustable locking unit for fixing a first tube telescopically within a second tube to form a support leg of a table. A locking unit comprising a plunger and a housing fits with in the tubes. The plunger can be moved relative to the housing by a screw fitting such that it can protrude through aligned apertures in the tubes to hald the tubes fixed relative to each other.

[0003] Spring-loaded button mechanisms have been used for many years to securely attach tubular components together where there is also a requirement for the components to be detached from each other following use. These mechanisms are normally contained within a first tubular component and include a spring-loaded button protruding from the main body of the first tubular component. In order to secure the two components together, the first tubular component is partly inserted into the second tubular component, which has a slightly larger diameter than the first component. As the first component partly enters the second component, the spring-loaded button on the first component is pushed down, against its spring, into the first component. The button remains depressed until such time as it reaches a hole in the second component, whereupon the button then rises under the action of the spring through the hole in the second component with the spring acting on the button in the hole, the two components cannot be disconnected or rotated relative to each other without the button again being depressed.

[0004] Although generally satisfactory, fittings of this type do not afford firm connections, as a certain amount of movement between the components is possible and increases with usage. This movement between the components is particularly unacceptable where the components are parts of a canoe paddle that can be disconnected for storage or transportation. Such paddles - where the blades at either end of the paddle shaft can be removed - are well known and use interlocking mechanisms as described above to connect the blades to the shaft. However, the relative movement of the two components that is permitted by the known mechanism is disadvantageous in canoeing. The relative movement of the blade and shaft produces an inefficient power transmission from the canoeist through the shaft to the blades. For this reason this known locking mechanism is undesirable in applications where efficient power transmission is required.

[0005] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for the connection of tubular components which provides a secure connection between the components and does not permit movement of those components relative to each other.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system according to claim 1.

[0007] Preferably, the first clamping member has an internal thread, and the adjustment means comprises an externally threaded member that engages with the internal thread of the first clamping member.

[0008] Preferably, the adjustment means is adapted such that rotation of the externally threaded member causes the first and second clamping members to move apart and thereby apply a clamping force.

[0009] Preferably, the externally threaded member is a screw member. Preferably, the externally threaded member has a drivable head orientated towards the first and second apertures. Preferably, the drivable head has a hexagonal socket for driving by an Allen key.

[0010] Preferably, the resiliently mounted detent member comprises a button portion which can pass through the mutually aligned first and second apertures and a shoulder portion which abuts against the inner surface of the first tubular member, and the resiliently mounted detent member comprises a helical spring acting between the button portion and first clamping member.

[0011] Preferably, the first and second clamping members are provided with end bearing surfaces having a shape corresponding to the internal surface of the first tubular member.

[0012] Preferably, the second clamping member has a sleeve portion which fits around a portion of the first clamping member so as to allow relative axial movement of the first and second clamping members in the clamping direction.

[0013] Preferably, the first tubular member is provided with two substantially diametrically opposed, longitudinally extending slits adapted to permit resilient deformation of the portions of the tubular member between the slits in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the slits.

[0014] Preferably, the first and second clamping members are positioned such that the clamping direction is perpendicular to the plane of the slits.

[0015] Preferably, the first and second tubular members are of composite construction. Preferably, the first and second tubular members are components of an oar or paddle.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method according to claim 14.

[0017] Preferably, the first and second clamping members are adjusted by means of a screw adjustment.

[0018] Preferably, the resiliently mounted detent member has a passage extending therethrough and the screw adjustment is carried out by inserting a tool through the passage to the first and second clamping members. Preferably, the screw adjustment in carried out by rotating a threaded member which acts to move the first and second clamping members apart. Preferably, the threaded member is a bolt or screw.

[0019] Preferably, the threaded member has a drivable head orientated towards the first and second apertures.
Preferably, the drivable head has a hexagonal socket for driving by an Allen key.

[0020] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of first and second tubular components of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the first and second tubular components of Figure 1;

Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show section and side elevation views, respectively, of the base component of the locking apparatus of the present invention;

Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show section and side elevation views, respectively, of the locking apparatus of the present invention; and

Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the components that make up the locking apparatus of the present invention.

[0021] Figures 1 and 2 show a first tubular component 1 and a second tubular component 2 which can be joined together by inserting the first component 1 into the second component 2. In the embodiment described here, the first and second tubular components are the blade and shaft members of a paddle, respectively. However, the locking system as defined by the present invention may be applied in any situation where two tubular components need to be connected together.

[0022] In the embodiment described here, the blade member 1 comprises a connecting portion 1a and a blade portion 1b. There is a taper 1c from the blade portion 1b to the connecting portion 1a, so that the outer diameter of the connecting portion 1a is less than that of the blade portion 1b. In addition, the taper 1c makes the outer diameter of the connecting portion 1a only marginally less than the inner diameter of the shaft member 2. As a result, the connecting portion 1a can be received inside the end of the shaft member 2 so as to provide a close-fitting connection where movement of the two components 1, 2 relative to each other is minimal. In an alternative embodiment, the first component can be of a uniform outer diameter and without a taper 1c, with the outer diameter of the blade member 1 being only marginally less than the inner diameter of the shaft member 2 to provide the close-fitting connection as previously described.
The connecting portion la of the blade member 1 contains the locking apparatus 3 which is used to secure the two components 1, 2 together after the connecting portion la has been inserted into the opening of the shaft member 2. The operation of the locking apparatus 3 will be described fully below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In addition to the locking apparatus 3, a pair of horizontal slits 5 are provided in the connecting portion la of the blade member 1. The slits 5 are located substantially diametrically opposite each other and are provided to permit the expansion of the outer diameter of the connecting portion 1a when it is acted upon by the locking apparatus 3, as will, be described below.

[0023] The locking apparatus 3 has a spring-loaded button 6 which can be depressed against the action of its spring 7 towards the centre of the connecting portion 1a of the blade member 1. Once the button 6 is depressed, the connecting portion 1a can be inserted into the shaft member 2. The shaft member 2 has an aperture 4 therein which receives the spring-mounted button 3 when the connecting portion la is inserted in the shaft member 2. Once it reaches the aperture 4, the button 6 is forced up by its spring 7 so that is protrudes from the aperture 4. Thus, once the button 6 is protruding from the aperture, the blade and shaft members 1,2 are securely connected. To disconnect the two members 1,2 the button 6 is simply depressed and the connecting portion la retracted from the shaft member 2. This is a know method of connecting two tubular components together, but as previously stated this connection does not provide an unyielding connection for applications where even a small movement of the two connected components relative to each other is undesirable. Hence, the present invention provides a system for securing the connected components so as to provide an unyielding connection.

[0024] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the base 8, body 9, and button 6 which make up the locking apparatus 3 are shown. The base 8 and body 9 serve as clamping members, which in use are driven radially apart from each other to exert a clamping force on the interior of the connecting portion la, thereby forcing the connecting portion 1a to engage by friction with the shaft member 2.

[0025] Figure 5 shows the base 8. The base 8, along with the body 9 and button 6, are manufactured from moulded plastic, although the invention is not limited to this material, and other materials such as composites and metal materials may be used for the purpose. The bottom surface of the base 8 is rounded so as to fit against the inner circumference of the connecting portion 1a, and has at its centre a recess 11 in which is secured a metal disc 10. In addition, the base 8 is also provided with a lip portion or sleeve 12 that extends around the entire circumference of the base 8 so as to locate the body 9 therein.

[0026] The body 9 itself can be seen in Figures 3(a) and 3(b). It is provided with a central hole 13 that runs from the foot of the body 9 upwards. Approximately two-thirds of the way up the body 9, the hole 13 opens out to provide a recess 14 of larger circumferences. The inclusion of the recess 14 provides a circumferential lip portion 15 in which sits the button 6 when the mechanism, 3 is assembled. To assist in the correct location of the button 6 in the body 9, the body is also provided with a pair of lugs 16. As can be seen from the sectional view of Figure 3 (a), the uppermost portion of the body 9 has a rounded top surface so as to fit against the inner circumference of the connecting portion 1a.

[0027] Figure 5 shows the button 6 in more detail. The button 6 is made up of an upper portion 6a and a flange portion 6b and, as with the base 8 and body 9, the flange portion 6b is contoured to the shape of the inner wall of the connecting portion 1a of the blade member 1. A bore 17 is provided in the button 6. In addition, a pair of slots 18 are also provided which receive the lugs 16 of the body 9 therein so that the button 6 is correctly located in the body 9.

[0028] Figures 4 and 5 show views of the apparatus 3 and the individual components therefor, respectively. Before the apparatus 3 can be located in the connecting portion la, all of the components must be fitted together. Initially, a stainless steel threaded insert 19 is hot melted in to the hole 13 of the body 9 so that the foot of the insert 13 is flush with the foot of the body 9. The body 9 is then placed into the base 8, and a grub screw 20 with an Allen head is screwed into the insert 13 from above. A helical spring 21 is then placed onto the top of the grub screw 20 and the button 6 is pushed down on top of the spring 21 in order to compress it. Once the button is fully depressed into the recess 14 provided in the body 9, the apparatus can be fitted into the connecting portion la of the blade member 1.

[0029] Along with the pair of horizontal slits 5, the connecting portion 1a is also provided with an aperture 22 that is intended to receive the spring-loaded button 6. With the button 6 fully depressed, the apparatus 3 is inserted into the connecting portion la until the button 6 is aligned with the aperture 22. The button 6 can then be released and, under the action of the spring 21, the button will rise until the flange portion 6b of the button comes up against the inner wall of the connecting portion 1a. Once the button 6 is in position, a tool (not shown) is inserted down through the bore 17 provided in the button 6 so that it locates in the top of the grub screw 20. In this embodiment, the grub screw 20 has an Allen head, and therefore the tool is an Allen key, although other combinations of screw heads and tools may be used, such as a cross-head screw and a suitable screwdriver.

[0030] By using the Allen key, the grub screw 20 is screwed down into the threaded insert 19, which is secured in the body 9 of the apparatus 3, until the screw 20 comes up against the plate 10 of the base 8. When the grub screw 20 meets the resistance of the plate 10 it cannot drop further and, as a result, the turning of the screw 20 acts against the insert 19 and raises the insert 19 and body 9 and, in consequence, the button 6. Thus, the turning of the grub screw 20 raises the body 9, thereby lengthening the apparatus 3 in the connecting portion la so that the top and bottom of the apparatus 3 act against the inner wall of the connecting portion la. The apparatus 3 is thereby secure and cannot be moved within the connecting portion la, and is ready for use in securing the blade member 1 to a shaft member 2.

[0031] To secure the blade member 1 and shaft member 2 together, the connecting portion 1a of the blade member 1 is inserted into the shaft member 2, and secured by means of the spring-loaded button arrangement. Once the blade member 1 and shaft member 2 are connected by way of the spring-loaded button 6, an Allen key or other suitable tool is inserted through the bore 17 in the button 6 to engage the grub screw 20. As in the case where the locking apparatus 3 was being fitted in the connecting portion 1a of the blade member 1, rotation of the grub screw 20 downwards is resisted by the plate 10 in the base, which causes the rotating screw 20 to force the insert 19 and body 9 to rise. As the top of the body 9 is positioned against the inner wall of the connecting portion la, the rising of the body 9 acts against the inner wall of the connecting portion 1a, thereby expanding the diameter of the connecting portion 1a, the expansion being permitted by the horizontal slits 5 cut in the connecting portion la. The result of this expansion is that the expanding diameter of the outer wall causes the outer wall to act against the inner wall of the shaft member 2. Thus, the user continues to turn the Allen key until the key cannot be turned any further. This then indicates that the outer wall of the connecting portion la has expanded such that the outer wall of the connecting portion la and the inner wall of the shaft member 2 are positioned tightly against each other. Further expansion of the connecting portion la is prevented as the shaft member 2 is not provided with horizontal slits to allow it to expand.

[0032] Therefore, the connection between the blade member 1 and shaft member 2 has been tightened so as to prevent relative movement between the two connected members 1, 2. When the apparatus 3 is expanded by the turning of the Allen key, it forces the diameter of the connecting portion 1a of the blade member 1 to expand in the shaft member 2 until the connection is sufficiently rigid that no relative movement is possible between the two members 1, 2.

[0033] After use, the Allen key can be reinserted into the apparatus 3 and turned in the opposite direction to turn the grub screw 20 whose action lowers the insert 19 and body 9. The lowering of the body 9 permits the outer wall of the connecting portion la to contract, thus loosening the connection between the two members 1, 2, and permitting the two members 1, 2 to be disconnected.

[0034] As a result of the present invention, tubular components can be fixedly secured to each other and thus efficiently transfer energy from one component to another with minimal energy loss as compared to current know connecting methods.

[0035] For the application of the present invention in canoe paddles a number of advantages are gained over the prior art. The prime advantage is that almost all of the energy generated by the canoeist is transferred from him to the blades via the shaft member. This energy transfer efficiently is not an issue with solid conventional paddles, but the improvement in efficiency over known paddles which are made up of detachable components is great. Thus, the practical advantages of having a collapsible paddle can now be enjoyed without any loss in efficiency compared with standard one-piece paddles.

[0036] Ranges of paddle types are currently available. Some of the variables include length of shaft, material of shaft, angle of blade, size of blade, and blade design. The particular configuration depends on the type of canoeing and on the conditions in which they are to be used.

[0037] For retailers, the large range of different blades and shafts and the various permutations possible provide a problem with attempting to offer a wide in-stock selecting to customers. The interchanging of blades and shafts provided by the present invention, without comprising efficiency, allows more in-stock selection to consumers.

[0038] The interchanging of blades and shafts further benefits the consumer in that differing combinations of blades and shafts can be used without the necessity to purchase complete one piece paddles. Damaged parts will also be cheaper to replace. Indeed a canoeist may even change blades during a journey.

[0039] A spare paddle on long journeys is vital and the present invention can be compacted to fit small kayaks for example, where once piece handles would be impractical.

[0040] This apparatus and method can be applied in a wide variety of applications and not exclusively for canoe paddles.

[0041] It will be understood that the shape of the inner piece and of the components to be joined is not limited to the shape indicated in the accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. A system comprising first and second tubular members (1, 2) and a locking apparatus (3) for releasably securing the first tubular member (1) to the second tubular member (2),
wherein the first and second tubular members (1, 2) are provided with first and second apertures (22, 4), respectively, in the wall of the respective tubular member (1, 2),
wherein the locking apparatus (3) is located within the first tubular member (1) and comprises:

first and second clamping members (9, 8) adapted to apply a clamping force;

an adjustment means provided between the first and second clamping members (9, 8) for adjusting the clamping force applied by the clamping members (9, 8); and

a resiliently mounted detent member mounted within the first clamping member (9) adapted to engage with the first and second apertures (22, 4) when the first and second apertures are mutually aligned

characterised in that the first tubular member (1) is resiliently expandable in diameter and has a diameter in the unexpanded state such that it can fit within the second tubular member (2), and in that the first and second clamping members (9, 8) are adapted to apply the clamping force to opposite internal faces of the first tabular member (1) in a clamping direction, and that the resiliently mounted detent member has a passage (17) extending therethrough to permit access to the adjustment means.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein the first clamping member (9) has an internal thread, and wherein the adjustment means comprises an externally threaded member (20) that engages with the internal thread of the first clamping member (9).

3. The system of Claim 2, wherein the adjustment means is adapted such that rotation of the externally threaded member (20) causes the first and second clamping members (9, 8) to move apart and thereby apply a clamping force.

4. The system of either Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the externally threaded member (20) is a screw member.

5. The system of any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the externally threaded member (20) has a drivable head orientated towards the first and second apertures (22, 4).

6. The system of Claim 5, wherein the drivable head has a hexagonal socket for driving by an Allen key.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the resiliently mounted detent member comprises a button portion (6a) which can pass through the mutually aligned first and second apertures (22, 4) and a shoulder portion (6b) which abuts against the inner surface of the first tubular member (1), and wherein the resiliently mounted detent member comprises a helical spring (21) acting between the button portion (6a) and first clamping member (9).

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second clamping members (9, 8)are provided with end bearing surfaces having a shape corresponding to the internal surface of the first tubular member (1).

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the second clamping member (8) has a sleeve portion which fits around a portion of the first clamping member (9) so as to allow relative axial movement of the first and second clamping members (9, 8) in the clamping direction.

10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first tubular member (1) is provided with two substantially diametrically opposed, longitudinally extending slits (5) adapted to permit resilient deformation of the portions of the tubular member (1) between the slits (5) in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the slits (5).

11. The system of Claim 10, wherein the first and second clamping members (9, 8) are positioned such that the clamping direction is perpendicular to the plane of the slits (5).

12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second tubular members (1, 2) are of composite construction.

13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second tubular members (1, 2) are components of an oar or paddle.

14. A method of releasably interconnecting first and second tubular members (1, 2) so as to provide a rigid joint, the first and second tubular members (1, 2) being provided with first and second apertures (22, 4), respectively, in the wall of the respective tubular member, wherein first and second clamping members (9, 8) are provided within then first tubular member (1), a resiliently mounted detent member being mounted within the first clamping member (9) and engaging the first and second apertures (22, 4) when the first and second apertures (22, 4) are mutually aligned,
the method comprising the steps of:

engaging the resiliently mounted detent member in the mutually aligned first and second apertures (22, 4) so that the first and second tubular members (1, 2) are loosely connected; and

adjusting the first and second clamping members (9, 8) so as to provide a clamping force which clamps the external surface of the first tubular member (1) against the internal surface of the second tubular member (2) so that the first and second tubular members (1, 2) are rigidly connected;

characterised in that the first tubular member (1) is resiliently expandable in diameter and has a diameter in the unexpanded state such that it can fit within the second tubular member (2), wherein the clamping force is provided to opposite internal faces of the first tubular member (1), wherein the first and second clamping members (9, 8) are adjusted by means of a screw adjustment, and wherein the resiliently mounted detent member has a passage (17) extending therethrough and the screw adjustment is carried out by inserting a tool through the passage (17) to the first and second clamping members (9, 8).

15. A method in accordance with Claim 14, wherein the screw adjustment in carried out by rotating a threaded member (20) which acts to move the first and second clamping members (9, 8) apart.

16. A method in accordance with Claims 15, wherein the threaded member (20) is a bolt or screw.

17. A method in accordance with either Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the threaded member (20) has a drivable head orientated towards the first and second apertures (22, 4).

18. A method in accordance with Claim 17, wherein the drivable head has a hexagonal socket for driving by an Allen key.

Ansprüche

1. Ein System, das ein erstes und ein zweites röhrenförmiges Element (1, 2) und eine Verriegelungsvorrichtung (3) zum lösbaren Sichern des ersten röhrenförmigen Elements (1) an dem zweiten röhrenförmigen Element (2) beinhaltet,
wobei das erste und das zweite röhrenförmige Element (1, 2) mit einer ersten bzw. einer zweiten Öffnung (22, 4) in der Wand des jeweiligen röhrenförmigen Elements (1, 2) versehen sind,
wobei sich die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (3) innerhalb des ersten röhrenförmigen Elements (1) befindet und Folgendes beinhaltet:

ein erstes und ein zweites Klemmelement (9, 8), die angepasst sind, um eine Klemmkraft aufzubringen;

ein Einstellungsmittel, das zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Klemmelement (9, 8) zum Einstellen der Klemmkraft, die von den Klemmelementen (9, 8) aufgebracht wird, bereitgestellt ist; und

ein elastisch montiertes Rastelement, das innerhalb des ersten Klemmelements (9) montiert und angepasst ist, um in die erste und die zweite Öffnung (22, 4) einzugreifen, wenn die erste und die zweite Öffnung aufeinander abgestimmt sind;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste röhrenförmige Element (1) im Durchmesser elastisch aufweitbar ist und in dem nicht aufgeweiteten Zustand einen solchen Durchmesser aufweist, dass es in das Innere des zweiten röhrenförmigen Elements (2) passen kann, und dadurch, dass das erste und das zweite Klemmelement (9, 8) angepasst sind, um die Klemmkraft in einer Klemmrichtung auf gegenüberliegende Innenflächen des ersten röhrenförmigen Elements (1) aufzubringen und dass das elastisch montierte Rastelement einen Durchgang (17) aufweist, der sich dort hindurch erstreckt, um den Zugang zu dem Einstellungsmittel zu ermöglichen.

2. System gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei das erste Klemmelement (9) ein Innengewinde aufweist und wobei das Einstellungsmittel ein außen gewindetes Element (20) beinhaltet, das in das Innengewinde des ersten Klemmelements (9) eingreift.

3. System gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei das Einstellungsmittel angepasst ist, so dass die Drehung des außen gewindeten Elements (20) bewirkt, dass sich das erste und das zweite Klemmelement (9, 8) auseinander bewegen und dadurch eine Klemmkraft aufbringen.

4. System gemäß Anspruch 2 oder Anspruch 3, wobei das außen gewindete Element (20) ein Schraubelement ist.

5. System gemäß einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 4, wobei das außen gewindete Element (20) einen treibbaren Kopf aufweist, der zu der ersten und der zweiten Öffnung (22, 4) hin orientiert ist.

6. System gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei der treibbare Kopf eine hexagonale Buchse zum Treiben mittels eines Inbusschlüssels aufweist.

7. System gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das elastisch montierte Rastelement einen Knopfabschnitt (6a), der durch die erste und zweite Öffnung (22, 4) gehen kann, wenn sie aufeinander abgestimmt sind, und einen Schulterabschnitt (6b), der gegen die innere Oberfläche des ersten röhrenförmigen Elements (1) stößt, beinhaltet und
wobei das elastisch montierte Rastelement eine Schraubenfeder (21) beinhaltet, die zwischen dem Knopfabschnitt (6a) und dem ersten Klemmelement (9) wirkt.

8. System gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das erste und das zweite Klemmelement (9, 8) mit Endlageroberflächen versehen sind, die eine Form aufweisen, welche der Innenoberfläche des ersten röhrenförmigen Elements (1) entspricht.

9. System gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das zweite Klemmelement (8) einen Manschettenabschnitt aufweist, der um einen Abschnitt des ersten Klemmelements (9) passt, um die relative axiale Bewegung des ersten und des zweiten Klemmelements (9, 8) in der Klemmrichtung zu erlauben.

10. System gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das erste röhrenförmige Element (1) mit zwei im Wesentlichen diametral gegenüberliegenden, sich longitudinal erstreckenden Schlitzen (5) versehen ist, die angepasst sind, um eine elastische Verformung der Abschnitte des röhrenförmigen Elements (1) zwischen den Schlitzen (5) in einer zu der Ebene der Schlitze (5) senkrechten Richtung zu ermöglichen.

11. System gemäß Anspruch 10, wobei das erste und das zweite Klemmelement (9, 8) so positioniert sind, dass die Klemmrichtung zu der Ebene der Schlitze (5) senkrecht ist.

12. System gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das erste und das zweite röhrenförmige Element (1, 2) von zusammengesetzter Konstruktion sind.

13. System gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das erste und das zweite röhrenförmige Element (1, 2) Komponenten eines Ruders oder Paddels sind.

14. Ein Verfahren zum lösbaren Untereinanderverbinden des ersten und des zweiten röhrenförmigen Elements (1, 2), um eine unnachgiebige Verbindungsstelle bereitzustellen, wobei das erste und das zweite röhrenförmige Element (1, 2) in der Wand des jeweiligen röhrenförmigen Elements mit einer ersten bzw. einer zweiten Öffnung (22, 4) versehen sind, wobei das erste und das zweite Klemmelement (9, 8) innerhalb des ersten röhrenförmigen Elements (1) bereitgestellt sind, wobei ein elastisch montiertes Rastelement innerhalb des ersten Klemmelements (9) montiert ist und in die erste und die zweite Öffnung (22, 4) eingreift, wenn die erste und die zweite Öffnung (22, 4) aufeinander abgestimmt sind,
wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte beinhaltet:

Eingreifen des elastisch montierten Rastelements in die erste und zweite Öffnung (22, 4), wenn sie aufeinander abgestimmt sind, so dass das erste und das zweite röhrenförmige Element (1, 2) lose miteinander verbunden sind; und

Einstellen des ersten und des zweiten Klemmelements (9, 8), um eine Klemmkraft bereitzustellen, die die Außenoberfläche des ersten röhrenförmigen Elements (1) gegen die Innenoberfläche des zweiten röhrenförmigen Elements (2) klemmt, so dass das erste und das zweite röhrenförmige Element (1, 2) unnachgiebig verbunden werden;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste röhrenförmige Element (1) im Durchmesser elastisch aufweitbar ist und in dem nicht aufgeweiteten Zustand eine solchen Durchmesser aufweist, dass es in das Innere des zweiten röhrenförmigen Elements (2) passen kann, wobei die Klemmkraft auf gegenüberliegenden Innenflächen des ersten röhrenförmigen Elements (1) bereitgestellt wird, wobei das erste und das zweite Klemmelement (9, 8) mittels einer Schraubeneinstellung eingestellt werden und wobei das elastisch montierte Rastelement einen Durchgang (17) aufweist, der sich dort hindurch erstreckt, und die Schraubeneinstellung ausgeführt wird, indem ein Werkzeug durch den Durchgang (17) zu dem ersten und dem zweiten Klemmelement (9, 8) eingeführt wird.

15. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 14, wobei die Schraubeneinstellung ausgeführt wird, indem ein gewindetes Element (20), das dahingehend wirkt, das erste und das zweite Klemmelement (9, 8) auseinander zu bewegen, gedreht wird.

16. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 15, wobei das gewindete Element (20) ein Bolzen oder eine Schraube ist.

17. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 15 oder Anspruch 16, wobei das gewindete Element (20) einen treibbaren Kopf aufweist, der zu der ersten und der zweiten Öffnung (22, 4) hin orientiert ist.

18. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 17, wobei der treibbare Kopf eine hexagonale Buchse zum Treiben mittels eines Inbusschlüssels aufweist.

Revendications

1. Un système comprenant des premier et deuxième éléments tubulaires (1, 2) et un appareil de verrouillage (3) destiné à assujettir le premier élément tubulaire (1) au deuxième élément tubulaire (2) de façon à ce qu'ils puissent être détachés,
dans lequel les premier et deuxième éléments tubulaires (1, 2) sont pourvus de première et deuxième ouvertures (22, 4), respectivement, dans la paroi de l'élément tubulaire respectif (1, 2),
dans lequel l'appareil de verrouillage (3) est situé à l'intérieur du premier élément tubulaire (1) et comprend :

des premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8) adaptés pour appliquer une force de serrage ;

un moyen d'ajustement fourni entre les premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8) pour ajuster la force de serrage qu'appliquent les éléments de serrage (9, 8) ; et

un élément d'arrêt monté de façon résiliente à l'intérieur du premier élément de serrage (9), adapté pour se mettre en prise avec la première et la deuxième ouverture (22, 4) lorsque les première et deuxième ouvertures sont mutuellement alignées ;

caractérisé en ce que le premier élément tubulaire (1) est d'un diamètre qui peut se dilater de façon résiliente et a un diamètre à l'état non dilaté tel qu'il peut se loger à l'intérieur du deuxième élément tubulaire (2), et en ce que les premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8) sont adaptés pour appliquer la force de serrage sur des faces internes opposées du premier élément tubulaire (1) dans une direction de serrage, et en ce que l'élément d'arrêt monté de façon résiliente a un passage (17) s'étendant au travers afin de permettre l'accès au moyen d'ajustement.

2. Le système de la revendication 1, dans lequel le premier élément de serrage (9) a un filet interne, et dans lequel le moyen d'ajustement comprend un élément à filet externe (20) qui se met en prise avec le filet interne du premier élément de serrage (9).

3. Le système de la revendication 2, dans lequel le moyen d'ajustement est adapté de telle sorte que la rotation de l'élément à filet externe (20) amène les premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8) à s'écarter et appliquer de ce fait une force de serrage.

4. Le système de soit la revendication 2, soit la revendication 3, dans lequel l'élément à filet externe (20) est un élément formant vis.

5. Le système de n'importe lesquelles des revendications 2 à 4, dans lequel l'élément à filet externe (20) a une tête maniable orientée en direction des première et deuxième ouvertures (22, 4).

6. Le système de la revendication 5, dans lequel la tête maniable a une douille hexagonale destinée à être maniée par une clé Allen.

7. Le système de n'importe quelle revendication précédente, dans lequel l'élément d'arrêt monté de façon résiliente comprend une portion de bouton (6a) qui peut passer au travers des première et deuxième ouvertures mutuellement alignées (22, 4) et une portion d'épaulement (6b) qui se met en aboutement contre la surface intérieure du premier élément tubulaire (1), et dans lequel l'élément d'arrêt monté de façon résiliente comprend un ressort hélicoïdal (21) qui agit entre la portion de bouton (6a) et le premier élément de serrage (9).

8. Le système de n'importe quelle revendication précédente, dans lequel les premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8) sont pourvus de surfaces d'appui d'extrémité ayant une forme qui correspond à la surface interne du premier élément tubulaire (1).

9. Le système de n'importe quelle revendication précédente, dans lequel le deuxième élément de serrage (8) a une portion de manchon qui se loge autour d'une portion du premier élément de serrage (9) de manière à permettre un déplacement axial relatif des premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8) dans la direction de serrage.

10. Le système de n'importe quelle revendication précédente, dans lequel le premier élément tubulaire (1) est pourvu de deux fentes substantiellement diamétralement opposées s'étendant longitudinalement (5) adaptées pour permettre la déformation résiliente des portions de l'élément tubulaire (1) entre les fentes (5) dans une direction perpendiculaire au plan des fentes (5).

11. Le système de la revendication 10, dans lequel les premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8) sont positionnés de telle sorte que la direction de serrage soit perpendiculaire au plan des fentes (5).

12. Le système de n'importe quelle revendication précédente, dans lequel les premier et deuxième éléments tubulaires (1, 2) sont de construction composite.

13. Le système de n'importe quelle revendication précédente, dans lequel les premier et deuxième éléments tubulaires (1, 2) sont des composants d'un aviron ou d'une pagaie.

14. Un procédé pour raccorder entre eux de façon à ce qu'ils puissent être détachés des premier et deuxième éléments tubulaires (1, 2) de manière à fournir un joint rigide, les premier et deuxième éléments tubulaires (1, 2) étant pourvus de première et deuxième ouvertures (22, 4), respectivement, dans la paroi de l'élément tubulaire respectif, dans lequel des premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8) sont fournis à l'intérieur du premier élément tubulaire (1), un élément d'arrêt monté de façon résiliente étant monté à l'intérieur du premier élément de serrage (9) et se mettant en prise avec les première et deuxième ouvertures (22, 4) lorsque les première et deuxième ouvertures (22, 4) sont mutuellement alignées, le procédé comprenant les étapes de :

mettre en prise l'élément d'arrêt monté de façon résiliente dans les première et deuxième ouvertures (22, 4) mutuellement alignées de sorte que les premier et deuxième éléments tubulaires (1, 2) soient raccordés de manière lâche; et

ajuster les premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8) de manière à fournir une force de serrage qui serre la surface externe du premier élément tubulaire (1) contre la surface interne du deuxième élément tubulaire (2) de sorte que les premier et deuxième éléments tubulaires (1, 2) soient raccordés de manière rigide ;

caractérisé en ce que le premier élément tubulaire (1) est d'un diamètre qui peut se dilater de façon résiliente et a un diamètre à l'état non dilaté tel qu'il peut se loger à l'intérieur du deuxième élément tubulaire (2), dans lequel la force de serrage est fournie sur des faces internes opposées du premier élément tubulaire (1), dans lequel les premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8) sont ajustés au moyen d'un ajustement par vissage, et dans lequel l'élément d'arrêt monté de façon résiliente a un passage (17) s'étendant au travers et l'ajustement par vissage est effectué en insérant un outil au travers du passage (17) jusqu'aux premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8).

15. Un procédé conformément à la revendication 14, dans lequel l'ajustement par vissage est effectué en faisant tourner un élément à filet (20) qui a pour fonction de faire s'écarter les premier et deuxième éléments de serrage (9, 8).

16. Un procédé conformément à la revendication 15, dans lequel l'élément à filet (20) est un boulon ou une vis.

17. Un procédé conformément soit à la revendication 15, soit à la revendication 16, dans lequel l'élément à filet (20) a une tête maniable orientée en direction des première et deuxième ouvertures (22, 4).

18. Un procédé conformément à la revendication 17, dans lequel la tête maniable a une douille hexagonale destinée à être maniée par une clé Allen.

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